What Your Insurance Company Won't Tell You in California (2024) (2024)

What Insurance Companies Don’t Want You To Know

Insurance companies present themselves as being on your side. When something bad happens, they say their policies will mitigate the damage and help you keep your life together. Don’t worry. They’ll help you. So they say.

The unfortunate reality is that insurance companies are in the business of making money, not of helping people. They use a variety of underhanded tactics to protect their bottom line, which our attorneys atThe Law Offices of Christian J. Amendthave seen time and again. If you have been injured, protect yourself and your family. Here’s what the insurance company won’t tell you.

They Will Always Undervalue Your Claim

One of the main ways insurance companies stay profitable is by paying as little as possible whenever a claim comes in. The more expensive the claim, the more aggressive their tactics in denying it. Even if they know that a claim is worth more, they will offer a low amount that they say will cover your medical costs. They put a time limit on the offer and hope that you accept this settlement quickly, before you have discovered the true cost of your injuries.

They Will Minimize Your Injuries

Insurance adjusters who are responsible for settling claims actually receive classroom training in which they are told to tell the injured person that their injuries are minor. Even if your injuries are severe, adjusters will try to convince you otherwise. They will tell you that you are just sore, nothing serious, and they can give you money quickly. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain by getting you to act quickly and without your own lawyer.

Do not trust medical advice from insurance adjusters. They are not doctors. They are trying to protect the insurance company’s best interests, not yours. Too often, people who accept these deals find themselves still needing expensive treatment months down the road with no resources to pay for them.

There Are No Do-Overs

Once you accept a settlement from an insurance company, that is the end of your compensation from them. Period. Even if you discover a few months down the line that your injuries are actually far more extensive than you initially thought, you are not allowed to reopen your claim. For this reason, the adjusters will try to get you to make a hasty decision before you have complete information.

Whatever your injury is from — a car ortruck accident, slip and fall,animal attackor something else — be sure your doctor has fully explored your condition and recovery before you consider accepting any money from the insurance company.

You only get one settlement from the insurance company. Make it count.

Always Speak With Your Own Attorney First

An insurance company has an army of lawyers and other staff trying to ensure that your settlement is as small as possible. You need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to fight back. Please contact us to set up a no-obligation, free consultation. You can reach us onlineor else call our office:909-766-1994.

We serve clients in the Pomona region and throughout Southern California.

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Very knowledgeable and understanding of the laws I really advise anyone been an automobile accident to give him a call.

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Very knowledgeable & professional. He & his amazing staff handled my case with care in a timely manner, while making the process very easy on me. I appreciate their hard work.

Micah Ward

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What Your Insurance Company Won't Tell You in California (2024) (2024)

FAQs

Does an insurance company have to disclose policy limits in California? ›

It is standard practice in California for the insurer to send a written request to its insured asking for permission to disclose limits information. Sometimes insureds grant permission—sometimes they do not. Whether to grant such permission is a hot topic and question we see on social media sites with great frequency.

How long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim in CA? ›

After the insurance company receives your completed proof of claim forms and all the required supporting documents, it must decide on your claim within 40 days.

Why are auto insurance companies pulling out of California? ›

According to the insurance companies, due to the significant increase in both the number and cost of auto accidents, the premiums that they are collecting to pay these claims are inadequate to also allow the companies to make a profit. Insurance companies are regulated by each individual state.

What insurance company is leaving California? ›

According to filings from the state's Department of Insurance, Tokio Marine America Insurance Co. and Trans Pacific Insurance Co. said they would both stop offering homeowners and personal umbrella insurance in the Golden State. Both entities are subsidiaries of Tokio Marine Holdings Inc., a Japanese company.

What are the 3 limits of insurance policies? ›

Insurance policies include various types of coverage limits—such as property damage liability, bodily injury liability, and personal property caps—and selecting the right limits is crucial to balance potential risks against personal assets and financial capacity.

Can I sue for more than the defendant's insurance policy limits in California? ›

You can sue for the full extent of your damages allowed by law even if it is more than auto insurance policy limits. The defendant may be liable through personal assets. In addition, your own uninsured or underinsured policy or the defendant's umbrella coverage may provide compensation.

What triggers an insurance investigation? ›

Insurance companies are more likely to investigate you when you file a large claim. Any large check that they write comes out of their profits. Therefore, they are looking for any way to escape paying for the damages their policyholder caused.

What is bad faith in California? ›

In California, insurance companies breach the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, commonly referred to as acting in “bad faith,” when they unreasonably or willfully deny benefits under an existing and enforceable California insurance policy on a valid claim.

Can someone sue you after insurance pays California? ›

A: Generally, you cannot be sued after the settlement has been accepted. This means the case is over, and one party has won. However, if there are multiple parties involved in the claim, you can settle things with one party and still pursue legal action with the other party.

Why is Geico pulling out of California? ›

Since the beginning of 2023, several major insurance companies have announced that they would stop writing policies or drastically reducing offerings in two of the three most populous states in the U.S. Industry heavyweights such as Geico, Progressive, and Farmers have started leaving the California and Florida auto ...

Is Progressive pulling out of California? ›

In 2023, major players like Geico, Progressive, and Farmers have scaled back or ceased operations in California and Florida's auto insurance markets due to rising costs. AmGUARD Insurance and Falls Lake Insurance are discontinuing their homeowners' insurance programs in the state.

Is Allstate pulling out of California? ›

Allstate stopped issuing new insurance policies for all business and personal property in California back in 2022. Since then, companies like State Farm, Farmers Insurance and The Hartford have made similar business moves.

Who is the largest insurer in California? ›

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in California as well as the largest property and casualty insurer in the United States overall, providing more than 78 million insurance policies.

Why is State Farm pulling out of California? ›

State Farm, California's largest home insurance company, announced it would be discontinuing coverage for 72,000 homes and apartment policies in the state starting this summer. The insurer blamed inflation, regulatory costs, and the increasing risks from catastrophes for its decision to scale back in the blue state.

Is USAA pulling out of California? ›

Daily headlines announce the withdrawal of major insurance companies from California, leaving homeowners scrambling for coverage. USAA, Allstate, and State Farm have either stopped writing new homeowner's policies altogether or they have drastically limited coverage for policies they offer.

How to find out someone's insurance policy limits in California? ›

In California, you can find out someone's insurance policy limits by asking the driver, checking the police report, contacting the insurance company, or filing a lawsuit. The insurance company must disclose your policy limits within 30 days of your request.

What is a policy limit demand in California? ›

A policy limits demand in a personal injury claim is a request made to an insurance company to pay the maximum amount an insurer has in their policy.

What happens if medical bills exceed policy limits in California? ›

If your medical expenses exceed insurance limits or if you've sustained significant injuries, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary. Personal injury lawsuits allow you to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Can I recover more than the insurance policy limits California? ›

If you're unable to negotiate a suitable settlement outside of court, filing a lawsuit may be your best option. If you go to court, the money award you receive isn't limited by the insurance policy limits. California's personal injury damages laws set how much you can receive from the at-fault party or parties.

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